Discovery About Female Archers in Ancient Egypt
A fresh analysis of five mummies from royal tombs of Egypt’s Middle Kingdom has revealed that some princesses buried with weapons may have actually used them. Scientists found evidence of muscle attachment points on the bones of these princesses, indicating intense archery training, along with signs of physical injuries. This discovery challenges conventional views on women's roles in ancient Egyptian military activities.
Researchers examined six royal mummies originally uncovered at Dahshur in the 1890s. These mummies were lost and later rediscovered in the Egyptian Museum during a 2020 curatorial project. Four of the six mummies were identified as sisters—daughters of Pharaoh Amenemhat II. Princess Ita was buried next to Princess Khenmet, while Princess Itaweret was found alongside an anonymous woman preliminarily identified as Princess Sathathormerit. A dagger was placed inside Princess Ita’s coffin, underscoring their military status. Princess Nub-Hotep and King Hor were also assessed as part of this study.
Research Findings
Princess Ita was estimated to be between 28 and 34 years old, with notably strong upper body muscles. Princess Khenmet, aged 30 to 40, showed signs of bone thinning but had exceptionally robust ligaments. Princess Itaweret, aged 20 to 34, had survived fractures to her ribs and foot and was identified as a skilled archer. Princess Nub-Hotep and King Hor were also found to have been archers.
Dr. Zeinab Hashesh noted that 'members of the royal family, especially women, were active participants in skilled, physically demanding activities such as archery and hunting.'
She also emphasized that 'we observed pronounced development of the upper limbs in these individuals, which correlates with repetitive, high-intensity actions like drawing a bowstring or stabilizing a weapon.' This confirms that such actions were habitual throughout their lives.
The study also found that several individuals suffered from infections and nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, the sisters exhibited rare spinal anomalies, suggesting close parental kinship. The conclusions of this research could significantly shift perceptions of women's roles in ancient Egyptian military history, highlighting their active involvement in physically demanding pursuits.
These new findings open up avenues for further research into women's roles in ancient Egyptian military culture. They suggest that women not only fulfilled traditional roles but also actively engaged in physical training and military affairs. This may prompt historians and archaeologists to reconsider existing assumptions about gender roles in ancient societies and women's contributions to the conflicts of that era.